Is the doctrine of sola scriptura in the bible itself?

Question

I cant find anywhere in the bible, new testament especially that the bible alone is the sole rule of faith!

this questions stems from the notion that "if it is NOT in the bible, it is not to be believed" or that it is to "be condemned" like "the assumption of mary", "limbo", "praying for the dead",etc.

In fact, in 1st or 2nd timothy it says "the church(not the bible) is the Spirit and ground of the truth"

kait , you quote from timothy but dont address the numerous scriptures that refer to traditions by Word and this epistle or that the church is spirti and gound of the church. your argument falls short of the others.

what is Tradition? Oral teachings, those not placed in the canon of the bible. By word or this epistle.

Answer 1

The doctrine of sola scriptura is neither explicitly or implicitly stated in the Bible. The sole infallible guide to Christian doctrine and practice is the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

Matt. 18:17-18 - the Church (not Scripture) is the final authority on questions of the faith. This demands infallibility when teaching the faith. She must be prevented from teaching error in order to lead her members to the fullness of salvation.

Matt. 10:20; Luke 12:12 - Jesus tells His apostles it is not they who speak, but the Spirit of their Father speaking through them. If the Spirit is the one speaking and leading the Church, the Church cannot err on matters of faith and morals.

Matt. 16:18 - Jesus promises the gates of Hades would never prevail against the Church. This requires that the Church teach infallibly. If the Church did not have the gift of infallibility, the gates of Hades and error would prevail. Also, since the Catholic Church was the only Church that existed up until the Reformation, those who follow the Protestant reformers call Christ a liar by saying that Hades did prevail.

Matt. 16:19 - for Jesus to give Peter and the apostles, mere human beings, the authority to bind in heaven what they bound on earth requires infallibility. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with the holiness of the person receiving the gift.

Luke 10:16 - whoever hears you, hears me. Whoever rejects you, rejects me. Jesus is very clear that the bishops of the Church speak with Christ's infallible authority.

Matt. 28:20 - Jesus promises that He will be with the Church always. Jesus' presence in the Church assures infallible teaching on faith and morals. With Jesus present, we can never be deceived.
Peace and every blessing!

Answer 2

The phrase “sola scriptura” is from the Latin: "sola" having the idea of "alone," "ground," "base," and the word "scriptura" meaning "writings" - referring to the Scriptures. Sola scriptura means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative, and true. "All Scripture is 'God breathed' (given of inspiration of God) and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16).
The primary Catholic argument against sola scriptura is that the Bible does not explicitly teach sola scriptura. Catholics argue, “the Bible nowhere states that it is the ONLY authoritative guide for faith and practice.” While this is true – it fails to recognize a crucially important issue. We know that the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible declares itself to be God-breathed, inerrant, and authoritative. We also know that God does not change His mind or contradict Himself. So, while the Bible itself may not explicitly argue for “sola scriptura,” it most definitely does not allow for traditions that contradict its message. Sola scriptura is not as much of an argument against tradition as it is an argument against unbiblical and/or anti-biblical doctrines. The only way to know for sure what God expects of us is to stay true to what we know He has revealed – the Bible. We can know, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that Scripture is true, authoritative, and reliable. The same cannot be said of tradition.

Answer 3

I find it especially interesting when Protestants attack Catholics for practicing things not found in the bible. But the whole Protestant thing is based on sola-scriptura and yet it’s not in the bible anywhere. In fact the bible itself is unbiblical. So the cornerstones of Protestantism are heresies even according to their own doctrines. Hehe how nice.

Answer 4

No Giorgio there cannot be such a reference because it would make a heresy of Apostolic tradition and therefore render itself a heresy,oral tradition preceded the written Gospels and even the written word was not available for quite some time after this,sola scriptora is meaningless without the oral tradition of the Apostles and those ordained by them.

Answer 5

>>Is the doctrine of sola scriptura in the bible itself?<<

No, what is in the bible is just the opposite:

"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the TRADITIONS which you were taught by us, either by WORD OF MOUTH or by letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15; emphasis mine)

Answer 6

It's not in there.

Also realize that over 24 other books that used to be considered 'doctrine' were removed and/or changed...included in that was the book of Genesis where Adam had a wife named Lilith BEFORE Eve...but that was removed for 'doctrine' purposes.

Answer 7

I figure once I've mastered the Bible, and can live my life exactly as it describes, then I worry about the parts that aren't there.

Answer 8

No. You won't find it.

Cheers :-)